Caring for the feet

An easy way to take care of your babys feet is during the daily bath time.

After the bath pat the feet dry with a soft towel and gently dry under and between the toes.

If the skin feels a little dry then use a good baby cream to moisturise the skin a little, similarly, if the skin feels a little too moist or has a tendency to sweat then use a good baby talcum powder.

This is a good time for a gentle baby foot massage, it is really good for circulation and is calming for the baby too.

Use your thumbs and move them in circles on the sole of the foot with just enough pressure to cause a massage and not too light as to be irritating or tickling.

Usually, when performing any massage, it should be done towards the heart.

Baby socks and shoes

Covering a babys foot, even with socks, or one piece suits with feet in, should be done loosely.

Avoid having anything tight or close fitting around a babys feet. Unrestricted growth is what is needed so if it is socks, slippers or one piece suits then give the feet plenty of room inside of them.

Later, when shoes can be worn, leave a good space in length and width inside the shoe for the toes.

It all leads to good foot health and toenail care. Essential in the early years.

The best material you can have to cover baby feet is natural materials or natural fibres.

Soft cotton or wool for socks and soft leather for shoes.

The shoes should support the heel and have some form of instep support and be flexible to bend with the motion of the foot.